I should probably start by confessing that I don’t know a whole lot about Phossy Jaw. The band’s 2013 debut, Dead Weapon, came and went without ever reaching my ears, which is unusual only because the record led them to joining forces with the Blood Drunk Records crew, so I feel like it should’ve been on my radar. In any case, the group has an eponymous full length coming out next month on BDR, and recently shared the album’s first single, “Artificial Life,” which has provided me with an opportunity to get caught up. To put it simply: I like what I’m hearing.
With its melodic yet angsty vocals and stormy guitars, there’s definitely a strong post-hardcore current running beneath the track. But there’s also a rhythmic complexity to some of the song’s passages that point to ties to math and prog rock. If I had to guess I’d say Phossy Jaw will ultimately be a menagerie of varying styles that won’t lend itself to easy analysis. Even here, there’s enough twists and turns in the band’s catchy, rock radio-friendly approach to reward repeated listens. It’s the kind of song you can jam to before heading out to a rowdy show or listen to quietly on your porch while you’re sipping your Sunday morning coffee. And, really, can we ever have too many of those? Listen below.
Phossy Jaw is out October 20. Pre-orders are available here.
Phossy Jaw will celebrate the release of their self-titled LP on Saturday, October 24 at the Drunken Unicorn. Supporting them will be Twin Criminal, Cinema Novo and Loraine. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $7.
More Info
Bandcamp: phossyjaw.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @Phossy.Jaw
Twitter: @PhossyJaw